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Get your property in tip-top shape for summer with a power tool tune-up, outlined below by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI):

1. Refresh your memory. Review the equipment manufacturer's guidelines, which likely have not been reviewed since last season. Re-familiarize yourself with operation and safe handling.

2. Inspect the equipment. Examine all brakes, cables and wheels for signs of damage. Make sure no safety features or guards have been disabled or removed. If you find anything concerning, take your equipment to a qualified service representative.

3. Replace the oil. Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up existing oil. Stop the engine, remove the drain plug and empty the old oil. Replace the plug and refill the engine with oil recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to dispose of the old oil properly.

4. Check the fuel tank. Fuel left in the tank over the winter months must be drained. Fill with fresh fuel that contains 10 percent or less ethanol (“E10” or less), and dispose of the old fuel properly.

5. Clean the machine. Use a wire brush to scrape away any grass clippings or dirt, and replace the filter. Remember to always disconnect the spark plug before working around the underside of a mower.

“You want your outdoor power equipment to be ready when you need it,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the OPEI. “Doing some basic maintenance now will ensure that your equipment operates safely and helps get the job done.”

(Family Features)—“Luxury” and “laundry room” are two terms rarely found in the same sentence—until now. Laundry rooms are goin’ glam! Get in on the lackluster-to-luxe trend with these tips, fresh from the pros:

Luxe laundry rooms take location into account, so take time to assess your existing space. Could laundry be completed more efficiently if the room were elsewhere? Consider moving the washer and dryer to a walk-in closet, ideally in proximity to the bedrooms, to lend an upscale touch.

Sleek, top-of-the-line appliances scream “luxury,” but today’s models are much more affordable than predecessors. Seek out machines that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also high-functioning and high-powered, to achieve the luxe look for less.

Set a high-end tone with structure. Spring for durable concrete or quartz countertops atop a wash station, and install a reflective or stone backsplash—both coveted finishes—to reinforce the look.

Brighten up the space—and introduce an unexpected touch of luxury—with an elegant lighting fixture, such as a centerpiece chandelier or coordinating wall sconces.

Incorporate on-trend patterns, like chevron or ombré, in accessories—think curtains or baskets. Go for inexpensive fabrics and finishes that mimic the higher-end look, so that they can be updated effortlessly as fads come and go.

Swindlers hoping to make off with someone else’s money often target unwitting seniors in “grandparent” scams. These schemes, according to the American Bankers Association (ABA), victimize thousands of seniors—and their loved ones—each year.

The scenario, the ABA says, starts with the senior receiving a phone call from a purported family member in what appear to be dire circumstances. The pseudo-family member requests that money be sent immediately, often through wire transfer, to rectify the situation.

To avoid falling prey to these tricks, the ABA advises:

Refusing to provide personal information – In general, it is wise not to relay any personal information over the phone. If you suspect a scam, take care not to offer up any indentifying or financial information.

Proceeding with caution – Scammers use sophisticated means, including social media, to obtain personal information about a target’s family or friends. Take precautionary measures, including confirming the call with another family member and/or requesting to call the scammer back, before agreeing to any action.

Asking several questions – The more questions you ask, the less likely a trickster will see the scheme through. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—doing so can even derail the con completely.

Listening to your gut – Let your instincts guide you. If something feels amiss, say no and hang up the phone immediately. Avoid rushing into a decision at all costs.

“Fraudsters have no problem preying on your goodwill to get inside your wallet,” says Corey Carlisle, executive director of the ABA Foundation. “They’re using social media and Internet searches to fabricate convincing stories, so be careful, trust your gut and do your best to confirm who you’re dealing with before sending any money.”

Some home improvement projects are bankable for the seller—some, unfortunately, are a bust.

A new front door, according to ContractorQuotes.us, is one of the projects that can yield a high return on investment. A steel door, specifically, costs an average of $1,230 to install, but may increase the home’s value by $1,252—a 101.8 percent return.

A fiberglass door, too, may boost a home’s value, by over $2,000 ($2,107, to be exact), while costing an average of $2,926—a 72 percent recoup for the seller.

If you’re planning to replace your front door, keep in mind that some doors require maintenance. Be sure to clarify these requirements before purchasing, ContractorQuotes.us advises.

Remember, also, that the least expensive product is not necessarily worth the savings. The front door is likely the first feature buyers will notice when visiting the home.

It may be tempting to select a style you like personally, but, ContractorQuotes.us suggests choosing a style that is reflective of the exterior of the home. Will it complement the style of the rest of the house?

High-tech security features are also worth considering. A recent report by CEPro.com includes front door technology among its top trends for the home, with the doors themselves holding much promise for integrated home technology.

Spring cleaning, for many, is as habitual—and as universally a pain!—as facing those annual income tax returns. We do it, grudgingly, and are rewarded by the clean, uncluttered space we come home to.

What about cleaning the rest of the year? How often is enough?

Turns out, our homes harbor more bacteria than many a public trash can, the Miami Herald reports.

Just how often do we need to clean—and what?

Refrigerators have much more bacteria in them than most realize. Experts say salad drawers alone contain 750 times what’s considered a “safe” level of bacteria. Make cleaning it a priority!

The microwave may kill bacteria, but heating days-old leftovers can be risky if the walls aren’t splash-free. Once each week, mix half a cup of vinegar with half a cup of water in a heat-safe dish. Microwave on high until the window steams up, then wipe down the interior with a clean cloth or sponge.

Toilets get the bad rap, but a recent study found more infection-causing bacteria in bathtubs. Clean it—along with the toilet—once every week.

Researchers have also found that washing your towel after only three uses removes millions of dead skin cells. Stick to this guideline to ensure cleanliness.

Your bed linens, on the other hand, don’t get as dirty as you think. If you shower in the morning or sleep in the buff, however, make it a point to wash them every one to two weeks.

Mattress and pillow protectors do shield the bed and pillows from dust and grime, but they should still be washed (or even replaced) periodically—every three months is the general rule of thumb.

Don’t neglect your home’s air quality, either. Research shows it can be up to 10 times worse than that of the air outdoors. Have carpets professionally steam-cleaned at least once year, or more often if you own a pet.

Overall, remember: just because you don’t see dirt doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Consistent upkeep throughout the year will keep your home tidy and bacteria at bay.

House hunters spend a lot of time researching homes—but not many spend time researching home loans.

Recent Zillow survey findings show Americans spend an average of eight hours researching loans, including refinancing, attaining an average of four quotes, versus the average 26 hours spent researching homes themselves.

At nine hours, millennials—likely first-time homebuyers—spend the most time researching loans; baby boomers spend eight hours, and those in Generation X spend seven, according to survey results.

Millennials are more likely to compare mortgage rates than older generations: 85 percent of those included in the survey shopped around for a loan, compared to 75 percent of Generation X shoppers and 55 percent of boomers. They are also more likely to seek out more quotes from lenders—six, on average.

The survey also finds boomers spend the most time researching a home (32 hours) and spend the most time researching major and minor home improvement projects (nine hours and five hours, respectively).

Comparatively, when it comes to researching a car purchase, millennial and Generation X shoppers spend an average of 11 hours, and boomers spend an average of 12 hours—all told, an average three hours less than the average time spent researching a home loan.

For homebuyers and refinancers, it’s important to keep in mind that you may work with the lender of your choosing, though your real estate professional may offer recommendations.

Beautifully-appointed outdoor spaces are not just a perk for today’s homebuyers—they’re expected. Landscaping, in particular, can make all the difference in selling price, according to the Appraisal Institute.

Citing two studies, the Institute shares these findings:

• Manicured landscaping can raise a home’s value by as much as 11 percent. (Michigan State University)

While the quality of the lawn is an important consideration, the Institute recommends sellers also give due to flower beds and porches, with an eye for what’s most popular in the neighborhood.

Consider incorporating landscaping that spares the new owner money or time, such as trees or native plantings—features that could potentially increase perceived value, the Institute says. Trees indirectly reduce energy consumption, and native plantings do not require the same scope of care as other species.

Lighting is also important, the Institute advises, because it can enhance a home’s appearance (thereby, perceived value), as well as heighten the safety of the home.

“Just as job seekers shouldn’t show up improperly attired for a job interview, sellers need to ensure their property is as attractive from the outside as possible,” says Appraisal Institute President Scott Robinson. “First impressions matter.”

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) has plummeted to its lowest point yet this year, according to Freddie Mac’s most recent report, reaching a three-year low overall at an average of 3.57 percent, with an average 0.5 point.

“Disappointing April employment data once again kept a lid on Treasury yields, which have struggled to stay above 1.8 percent since late March,” Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sean Becketti explains. “As a result, the 30-year mortgage rate fell four basis points to 3.57 percent, a new low for 2016 and the lowest mark in three years. Prospective homebuyers will continue to take advantage of a falling rate environment that has seen mortgage rates drop in 14 of the previous 19 weeks.”

The 15-year FRM has also moved down, to an average 2.81 percent with an average 0.5 point. The 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) has lowered, as well, to an average 2.78 percent with an average 0.5 point.

Bucket list destinations around the world have become much more affordable, thanks to low airfares and a strong dollar. Jet off to one of these exotic, now-inexpensive locales, recently named to Cheapflights.com’s “International Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank."

3. Lima, Peru
Bargains abound in Peru, and Lima is no exception. From hiking Machu Picchu and sunning at the beach to dining at world-renowned restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Peru’s capital.

4. Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is ideal for travelers seeking experiences similar to Beijing or Hong Kong—without the premium price tag. While there, take time to ascend Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest structures—it’s worth it!

5. Wellington, New Zealand
Get the most bang for your buck in Wellington, thanks to current exchange rates. The city features a variety of lodging options, including budget hotels, campgrounds, hostels and motels, and a number of free attractions.

Ready to go? For more destinations from this list, visit Cheapflights.com.

That’s the sentiment from approximately one in five respondents to a recent poll, who’d take filing their taxes by hand over moving. Some would even prefer to give up their favorite food for a month!

Still, the trouble of moving isn’t deterring us from doing it—in fact, according to the poll, over one-third of respondents have moved more than once in the last decade. What makes moving less challenging, the poll found, are professional services:

• Approximately two in five respondents have driven a moving truck in the past, and based on that experience, more than half of them would hire someone else to do the driving in the future.

• Thirty-two percent of respondents have hired a mover to pack and/or load their possessions, and 11 percent of (lucky!) respondents report their employer hired a moving company.

What’s more, many respondents would be willing to compromise if it meant a less taxing move: 53 percent would hire a driver, but pack their items themselves, regardless of cost.

Overall, the results of the poll demonstrate moving doesn’t have to be a hassle—especially if you seek help from a professional.